Beijing should not ‘push political talks’

By Shih Hsiu-chuan / Staff reporter

Asked about Taiwan’s military investment, Bush said it is important for the nation to develop a defense and security strategy that reflects the threats facing it.

He added that it is appropriate for military authorities to look into the local production of advanced fighter aircraft and submarines in light of the current threats the country has to deal with and its budgetary situation.

Asked about his views on a cross-strait peace accord, Bush said it was “fairly unlikely” that such a pact would be signed in the near future.

“To sign a peace accord, you will probably have to have a precise definition of ‘one China,’ something more explicit than the [so-called] ‘1992 consensus.’ That gets you again to the issue of the ROC, which is very difficult,” Bush said.

It is not clear how much Taiwan’s security would be improved if it inked a peace accord with China if the pact only covers intentions — such as Taiwan pledges not to declare independence and China renounces the use of force against Taiwan — and ignores that China continues to build up its military capabilities, Bush said.